Mathematics

The main features of mathematics at Albert Park Primary School are:

In all year levels, skills and concepts are developed through explicit teaching in both whole class and small focus groups. Students practise and extend these skills through engagement in problem solving tasks

Students’ understanding of Mathematics is assessed using standardised tools and rich assessment tasks. From Prep to Year 2 teachers assess each child individually, using the Mathematics On-line Interview and use the results to cater for individual needs

Mental calculation and the teaching of efficient strategies is a priority

Estimation and an awareness of a reasonable answer are emphasised

In order to solve problems efficiently, students are encouraged to find a pattern when problem solving

Mathematics is related to real life and to other areas of the curriculum

Listening and thinking are encouraged rather than rote learning

Using the correct mathematical language is important

Concrete materials are used throughout the school, with concrete materials being the main tools in Prep, with more abstract thinking as students move through the school

The content strands areNumber and Algebra,Measurement and Geometry, andStatistics and Probability. They describe what is to be taught and learnt.

The proficiency strands areUnderstanding,Fluency,Problem Solving, andReasoning. They describe how content is explored or developed, that is, the thinking and doing of mathematics. They provide the language to build in the developmental aspects of the learning of mathematics and have been incorporated into the content descriptions of the three content strands described above. This approach has been adopted to ensure students’ proficiency in mathematical skills develops throughout the curriculum and becomes increasingly sophisticated over the levels of schooling.

All students are monitored and assessed against the expectations of the AusVELS. More information on AusVELS is available on the VCAA website which can be accessed via the following link.

Proficiency strands

The proficiency strands describe the actions in which students can engage when learning and using the content. While not all proficiency strands apply to every content description, they indicate the breadth of mathematical actions that teachers can emphasise. They are represented across and within the Level Descriptions, Content Descriptions and Achievement Standards.

Understanding

The proficiency strand of Understanding helps students to build a robust knowledge of adaptable and transferable mathematical concepts. At Albert Park Primary we encourage students to make connections between related concepts and progressively apply the familiar to new mathematical ideas.

Fluency

The proficiency strand of Fluency helps students to develop skills in choosing appropriate procedures, carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently and appropriately, and recalling factual knowledge and concepts readily. At Albert Park Primary we encourage students to use their readily recall on their mathematically understandings, definitions and number facts.

Problem Solving

The proficiency strand of Problem Solving helps students to make choices, interpret, formulate, model and investigate problem situations, and communicate solutions effectively. At Albert Park Primary we relate Mathematics to meaningful situations and give students the opportunity to design investigations and plan their approaches when solving.

Reasoning

The proficiency strand of Reasoning allows students to develop their voice when reasoning mathematically as they explain their thinking, and as deduce and justify strategies used and conclusions reached. At Albert Park Primary we encourage students to adapt their thinking to different mathematical situations and explain their reasoning theoretically and verbally.